Alvarado expressed her dismay that the foundation “has taken the remarkably anti-woman stance against funding lifesaving breast-cancer screenings for low-income and underserved women.”

She also blames the foundation for bowing to “the propaganda and threats of extremist groups.”

We’ve asked Brinker, a former ambassador, to respond to Alvarado’s letter and to speculate on the future of the relationship between her foundation, which she founded to honor her sister, Susan B. Komen, who battled breast cancer.

We also asked Brinker to speculate about the possible backlash the foundation’s decision might have on its fundraising efforts.

Alvarado wrote in her letter:

“This incredibly short-sided decision, based on what I can only imagine is the propaganda and threats of extremist groups, ends an amazing partnership that over the last five years has resulted in an incredible 170,000 breast exams and 6,400 mammogram referrals.

“There is so much good that we can do if we all put our differences aside and work TOGETHER. Although you have now injected yourself into the political theater, I hope that you will reconsider your decision and work to mend this now torn relationship that used to be about preventing and protecting women from breast cancer.